The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Secondly,² Consider, The Credit of Religion is engaged in thy public dealings. More eyes are upon us when we walk abroad, then when we are at home, and therefore it concerns us to be handsome in our habits, and very circumspect in our carriage. A Professor may be rotten-hearted in holy duties, and the world never the wiser, they are ignorant of it, and so do not disgrace Religion for it; but if he be once unrighteous in his dealings, the whole Country will quickly ring of it, and cry him up for a Cheat, and his Religion for a cozenage. God indeed looks most to our hearts, whether they be sound, and accordingly esteemeth of our performances; but men look only to our hands, whether they be clean, and accordingly judge of our profession. If the servants of religion behave themselves unseemly, their Mistress shall be sure to bear the blame. When David had defiled Bathsheba, the name of God was blasphemed. A Saint cannot do evil before men, but he occasions sinners to speak evil of God. If there be any spots on a Christians Coat, the world will soon spy them, and ⟨p. 12⟩be ready in scorn to ask Christ himself, as the Patriarchs did Jacob, See whether this be thy Sons coat or no? To look high by thy profession, and live low and basely in thy practices, will betray both thy self and the Gospel to scorn and derision. Augustin confesseth there were many such in his time, who professing the Christian Religion, did by their licentious lives give great scandal, and with them the Manichees were wont to reproach the whole Church of Christ, though the Church did disown them; and though she could not reclaim them, she did disclaim them. Aug. de moribus Ecclesiae. Cap. 34.

Secondly,² Consider, The Credit of Religion is engaged in thy publique dealings. More eyes are upon us when we walk abroad, then when we are at home, and therefore it concerns us to be handsome in our habits, and very circumspect in our carriage. A Professour may be rotten-hearted in holy duties, and the world never the wiser, they are ignorant of it, and so do not disgrace Religion for it; but if he be once unrighteous in his dealings, the whole Country will quickly ring of it, and cry him up for a Cheat, and his Religion for a cozenage. God indeed looks most to our hearts, whether they be sound, and accordingly esteemeth of our performances; but men look onely to our hands, whether they be clean, and accordingly judge of our profession. If the servants of religion behave themselves unseemly, their Mistress shall be sure to bear the blame. When David had defiled Bathsheba, the name of God was blasphemed. A Saint cannot do evil before men, but he occasions sinners to speak evil of God. If there be any spots on a Christians Coat, the world will soon spie them, and